The kuhli loach (Pangio kuhlii) is a small eel-like freshwater fish belonging to the loach family(Cobitidae). They originate from Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula. This snake-like creature is very slender and nocturnal. In an aquarium, the kuhli loach can be very reclusive and, when startled, will dart underneath tank ornaments or bury itself, if a fine gravel…

The Swordtail comes in many different colors with the males being easily identified by their signature sword like tail. The Swordtail is an extremely hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. They are livebearers which means that the baby fish come out free swimming. Like their livebearer counterpart, the guppy,…

The black molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a hybrid variation of the sailfin molly. It is a small fish, with males reaching about three inches in length and females slightly smaller. Difficulty: The black molly is fairly easy to keep in a community tank that doesn’t include more aggressive fish. An ideal environment would include several…

The Bloodfin Tetra is a mainstay of the freshwater fish hobby and for good reason. Bloodfin Tetra have silver bodies with an almost greenish hue (depending on the aquarium lighting) and red fins. A great freshwater beginner’s fish, the Bloodfin Tetra will to tolerate a wide range of water parameters. Some hobbyists even keep them…

The goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae of order Cypriniformes. It was one of the earliest fish to be domesticated, and is one of the most commonly kept aquarium fish. A relatively small member of the carp family (which also includes the koi carp and the crucian carp), the goldfish is a domesticated version of…

As a result of their history as coach dogs, the dalmation is very active and needs plenty of exercise. They are very fast runners, with a great deal of stamina and self-reliance. Given freedom to roam the wild, they will take multi-day trips on their own across the countryside. In today’s urban environment, they will not…

Nicknamed the “Dutch mastiff,” the Pug is a small dog with a wrinkled face, short legs and barrel chest. In addition to being one of the world’s most physically distinctive dogs, the Pug is also well loved for its charismatic personality and effortless charm. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Pug’s attentive and soft expression is its distinguishing…

The Rottweiler is a rather large and powerful dog, descended from Roman military dogs and developed in Germany. Its nobility is only matched by its endurance. And though it is misunderstood as a vicious dog, through careful breeding and proper training, it can serve various functions, including as a family pet. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Rottweiler…

The Akita has a unique combination of dignity, courage, alertness, and devotion to its family. It is extraordinarily affectionate and loyal with family and friends. It is almost feline in its actions; it is not unusual for an Akita to clean its face after eating, and to be very neat and tidy in the house….

Alaskan Malamute History and Domestication The Alaskan Malamute was developed by a tribe of Innuit known as the Mahlemuts, who wanted to create a working dog that could pull heavy loads, as well as assisting with hunting, but one that could also withstand the harsh winter conditions. They are believed to have originated from primitive…

In 1966 a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto Canada. It was discovered to be a natural genetic mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence. This cat and a few other naturally hairless cats have been found worldwide; produced by Mother Nature, they are…

As the dusty desert caravans wound their way westward from Persia and Iran, it is supposed that secreted among the rare spices and jewels on the basket-laden camels was an even more precious cargo, an occasional longhair cat. They were called Persian for their “country of origin,” but hieroglyphic references as early as 1684 B.C….